FAQ #2 My baby is refusing the breast, what can I do?Refusing the Breast: Several things could be happening when a baby is not wanting to nurse. They could simply be adjusting their schedule, they could be on a nursing strike or they could be sick.If your baby is eating every 2 hours then suddenly wants to start feeding every 3 or 4, this can be normal. As long as your baby continues to have good wet/dirty diapers and is not showing any signs of illness, then it could simply be a schedule adjustment. Sometimes a baby will go on what is called a nursing strike. This is simply where they refuse to nurse for an unknown reason. It is ok for a baby to skip an occasional feeding. But never more than one feed in a 24 hour period. All babies, while being exclusively breastfed (no supplements or food) should be nursing at the breast 8-12 times per day. If your baby is not having a minimum of 8 feeds per day contact your physician or lactation consultant for an evaluation. Or it could be something as simple as you have eaten something that has changed the taste or smell of your breastmilk. Like garlic. If you think this is the case then you can flush your system by drinking a lot of water. I have even seen babies strike due to moms going on an extreme excercise regimen (probably due to lactic acid build up). There are many things that can cause this cessation in feeding to occur. The bottom line is that if your baby skips more than two feeds in a row, you need help. Find a lactation consultant near you. Your baby could be neglecting to nurse because he is ill. It is always best to ere on the side of caution, so if your baby refuses more than one feeding in a day, please consult a physician or a lactation consultant. Back from Refusing the Breast to Breastfeeding Problems |
Click here to pay for chat now
